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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
New Edo State Police Command CP, Patrick Daaor (r) listening to his predecessor, Monday Agbonika during a short conversation after the official handover in Benin City yesterday
The newly deployed Commissioner of Police to the Edo State Police Command, CP Patrick Daaor, yesterday vowed to adopt a new approach to policing, which he described as “mobile policing.”
According to him, the strategy is aimed at enhancing police visibility, strengthening security operations and improving the Command’s response to emerging security challenges across the state.
CP Daaor disclosed this at the Edo State Police Command while officially assuming duty and taking over from his predecessor, CP Monday Agbonika, who has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and redeployed to Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin.
Daaor said he would do everything in his power to build on the legacies of his predecessor and ensure that the lives and properties of the residents in the state are secured.
Earlier, the outgoing Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who formally handed over the command to Daaor, described his tenure as a remarkable chapter in the history of policing in Edo State, attributing the achievements recorded under his watch to the courage, sacrifice, discipline and professionalism of officers and men of the command.
Speaking during his farewell to personnel and stakeholders, the outgoing commissioner expressed appreciation for the unwavering support and loyalty he received throughout his tenure, saying the collective commitment of the command was instrumental to the successes recorded.
He expressed confidence in Daaor’s capacity to sustain the gains already made, urging officers and men to give the new commissioner the same level of support that enabled the command to make significant progress under his leadership.
Agbonika recalled that when the command introduced a new operational strategy in April 2025, several aspects of the approach appeared unconventional and difficult to accomplish.
“Yet, you believed in the vision. You embraced the mission with discipline, courage and professionalism,” he said.
According to him, the determination of personnel to translate the command’s vision into reality produced significant security gains across the state.
He listed the achievements to include a drastic reduction in cult-related violence, the denial of criminal kingpins and bandits of safe havens in the forests of Edo North and Edo Central, as well as a significant reduction in extortion and other criminal activities.
Agbonika said the development had contributed to strengthening public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force while improving the overall security environment in Edo State.
“Together, we have written a remarkable chapter in the history of policing in Edo State,” he said.
The outgoing commissioner, however, acknowledged that the gains came at a heavy price, noting that some police officers lost their lives while defending the nation and protecting residents of the state.
He paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing their sacrifice as a testament to the courage and dedication required in the policing profession.
Agbonika prayed for the eternal repose of the deceased officers and divine comfort for their families.
He also recalled the challenging protests witnessed during his tenure, involving youths, students, civil society organisations, parents and members of the business community.
Despite the pressures associated with the protests, he said, officers and men of the command demonstrated restraint, professionalism and a willingness to engage stakeholders through dialogue while upholding the rule of law.
“Through professionalism, strategic dialogue and steadfast commitment to the rule of law, you demonstrated the finest traditions of policing. I am immensely proud of your conduct and resilience,” he said.
As he handed over the command, Agbonika urged personnel to remain united and committed to their responsibilities, stressing that the people of Edo State continued to depend on the police for safety, justice and hope.
“Do not relent. Let the gains we have collectively recorded be sustained and surpassed. Remain united. Support the incoming leadership. Continue to uphold the values and ideals of the Nigeria Police Force,” he charged.
Agbonika also thanked the Inspector-General of Police for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve in Edo State.
He commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support, encouragement and provision of logistics which, according to him, enhanced the operational capacity of the command.
The outgoing commissioner equally acknowledged the contributions of religious leaders, sister security agencies and other strategic partners to the command’s security efforts.
He specifically commended the leadership of 4 Brigade, the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, Edo State Security Corps, Community Safety Partnership, Police Community Relations Committee and Police Officers’ Wives Association.
He expressed special appreciation to the people of Edo State, thanking them for their trust, cooperation and sustained support throughout his tenure.
“Serving you has been one of the greatest honours of my career,” Agbonika said.
